A red phalarope had been reported at the Muskegon waste water treatment plant last week. Then we had a weather front move through the past couple days and the phalarope had apparently disappeared. Barb called this morning and said she felt lucky so we went chasing anyway.
We drove the hour and a half over there and ran into a number of disappointed birders. One couple had been around the treatment plant said that they were sure the bird had left the area. Luckily they made another round and found it. Even better, they circled around and told other birders where it was. So Barb felt lucky, she shoots, and she scores. And so did we. A lifer for all three of us. I’m not superstitious but I’m glad nobody hopped in the car and said, “This will be a lifer for me if we find it”
Red phalarope, winter plumage.
Another picture of the Red phalarope, winter plumage.
American pipit at the Muskegon WWTP.
After the treatment plant we went over to the breakwater on Lake Michigan in Muskegon. I think it was the first time Barb has had us there when it wasn’t covered in ice with a wind chill of about twenty below. This was a balmy 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Almost sunbathing weather. She must be getting soft. Anyway, I got a pair of black scoters bringing my count up to 247 and Lise’s up to 240. We also saw a very late map turtle sunning itself in 40 degree temperatures.
Horned grebe, winter plumage, Muskegon breakwater.
Horned grebe shaking off water.
Double-crested cormorant, Muskegon breakwater.
A November map turtle, wondering where his buddies are.
Ed's and Lise's Biggish Years 